System and Method to Locate a Vehicle Access Device Using a Second Vehicle Access Device

The present disclosure relates to vehicle access devices and a method for locating a vehicle access device using a second vehicle access device.

Vehicles may use key fobs to operate one or more vehicle functions such as unlocking or locking doors, opening, or closing doors, or starting a vehicle's ignition. However, key fobs are generally small for portability and may be misplaced by a user of the vehicle. When a key fob is lost, the user must attempt to remember where it was placed, often requiring a search of the vehicle interior, the environment near the vehicle, and/or other locations the user has traveled to with the key fob.

In at least some implementations, a method for locating a vehicle access device may include detecting a signal from a first vehicle access device using a second vehicle access device, and determining the location of the first vehicle access device as a function of the strength of the signal received at the second vehicle access device.

In at least some implementations, the step of detecting a signal from the first vehicle access device is accomplished by either the first vehicle access device or the second vehicle access device sending a wireless communication and the other of the first vehicle access device or the second vehicle access device receiving the wireless communication.

In at least some implementations, the wireless communication is one or more of cellular, ultra-wideband (UWB), WiFi, satellite communications, radio, or Bluetooth.

In at least some implementations, determining the location of the first vehicle access device is at least partially based on the time the signal was detected by the second vehicle access device, the strength of the signal detected by the second vehicle access device, the location of the second vehicle access device at the time the signal is detected by the second vehicle access device, or a combination of two or more of the time the signal was detected by the second vehicle access device, the time the signal was sent by the first vehicle access device, the strength of the signal detected by the second vehicle access device, the location of the second vehicle access device at the time the signal is detected by the second vehicle access device.

In at least some implementations, the location of the second vehicle access device is determined using the location of an external device.

In at least some implementations, subsequent to the step of determining the location of the first vehicle access device, the method further comprises a step of communicating the location of the first vehicle access device.

In at least some implementations, the step of communicating the location of the first vehicle access device includes visually, audibly, or tactilely communicating the location of the first vehicle access device through an external device, the second vehicle access device, or a user interface of a vehicle.

In at least some implementations, prior to detecting a signal from the first vehicle access device using a second vehicle access device, the first vehicle access device is determined to not be near or within a vehicle by one or more access device sensors.

In at least some implementations, when in either the step of detecting a signal from the first vehicle access device using a second vehicle access device or the step of determining the location of the first vehicle access device, the signal is not detected by the second vehicle access device or the location of the first vehicle access device cannot be determined, the method further comprises a step of communicating that the location of the first vehicle access device could not be determined.

In at least some implementations, the step of communicating that the location of the first vehicle access device could not be determined includes visually, audibly, or tactilely communicating that the location of the first vehicle access device could not be determined through an external device, the second vehicle access device, or a user interface of a vehicle.

In at least some implementations, a method for locating a vehicle access device includes prompting a search for a first vehicle access device, determining a previous known location of the first vehicle access device, determining if a signal from the first vehicle access device is detected by an access device sensor of a vehicle, when a signal is not detected from the first vehicle access device, detecting a signal from the first vehicle access device using a second vehicle access device, and determining the location of the first vehicle access device as a function of the signal received by the second vehicle access device.

In at least some implementations, prompting a search for the first vehicle access device is done by a user or by a control system of the vehicle.

In at least some implementations, the control system may prompt the search for the first vehicle access device based at least partially on door position of the vehicle, window position of the vehicle, drivetrain position of the vehicle, or ignition position of the vehicle.

In at least some implementations, determining a previous known location of the first vehicle access device includes storing GPS coordinates in a memory of a control system where the first vehicle access device and an access device sensor or the first vehicle access device and a second vehicle access device previously communicated.

In at least some implementations, the step of detecting a signal from a first vehicle access device using a second vehicle access device is accomplished by either the first vehicle access device or the second vehicle access device sending wireless communication and the other of the first vehicle access device or the second vehicle access device receiving wireless communication.

In at least some implementations, the wireless communication is one or more of cellular, WiFi, ultra-wideband (UWB), satellite communications, radio, or Bluetooth.

In at least some implementations, determining the location of the first vehicle access device is at least partially based on strength of the signal received by the second vehicle access device.

In at least some implementations, determining the location of the first vehicle access device is at least partially based on the time the signal was detected by the second vehicle access device, the time the signal was sent by the first vehicle access device, the strength of the signal detected by the second vehicle access device, or the location of the second vehicle access device at the time the signal is detected by the second vehicle access device.

In at least some implementations, subsequent to the step of determining the location of the first vehicle access device, the method further comprises a step of communicating the location of the first vehicle access device.

In at least some implementations, the step of communicating the location of the first vehicle access device includes visually, audibly, or tactilely communicating the location of the first vehicle access device through an external device, the second vehicle access device, or a user interface of a vehicle.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the summary and detailed description, including the disclosed embodiments and drawings, are merely exemplary in nature intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application or use. Thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

1 6 FIGS.- 10 12 12 14 12 16 18 16 14 Referring in more detail to the drawings,show a systemfor locating a vehicle access device. The vehicle access devicemay be, by way of a non-limiting example, a so-called “key fob” or other wireless device by which, by way of non-limiting examples, door locks may be remotely operated, a vehicle ignition actuated or enabled, and other vehicle functions performed as commanded by a user. The system may include the vehicle, the vehicle access device, an external deviceby which a user can send and receive communications, and a network/remote serverby which the external devicecan communicate with the vehicle.

14 20 22 24 26 28 24 The vehiclemay include a bodywith body panels, doors, locks for the doors, a control system, a communications devicewith a transmitter and a receiver, one or more access device sensors, and a user interface. The vehicle transmitter is capable of transmitting wireless communications and the vehicle receiver is capable of receiving wireless communications. For example, wireless communications may be cellular, WiFi, satellite communications, radio, Bluetooth, or others. The communications devicemay be defined by separate components (e.g. for the transmitter and receiver) or integrated into a single component depending on the embodiment.

22 24 22 24 22 22 24 22 12 22 12 14 The vehicle control systemis in communication with the communications devicesuch that the control systemcan transmit and receive signals and information via the communications device. The control systemhas one or more controllers or processors, memory and instructions or programs stored in the memory or otherwise accessible by the processor(s). In some implementations, the control systemmay have or be defined by a plurality of vehicle controllers, such as but not limited to, an infotainment module, a telematics module, body control module, powertrain control module, and the like, and the controllers may be independent or networked to each other. Each of the controllers may communicate with one or more vehicle components or system components. The communications deviceis in communication with the control system, and is capable of receiving communication from the vehicle access deviceand relaying that communication to the control systemto permit use of the vehicle access devicewith the vehicle.

26 14 12 12 26 26 14 26 12 3 FIG. The one or more access device sensorsmay be positioned on or within the vehicleand each may have a receiver capable of receiving signals or communications transmitted from the vehicle access deviceand determining the signal strength of the communication from the vehicle access device. Communication to and/or from the access device sensorscan be any form of wireless communication such as, but not limited to short-range or long-range communications, such as cellular, ultra-wideband (UWB). near-field communications, Bluetooth, WiFi, satellite communications, radio, or others. As shown in, four vehicle access sensorsare spaced apart from each other, and positioned at front, rear, left, and right positions of the vehicle. One or more of the access device sensorsmay simultaneously receive communication from the vehicle access device.

26 12 26 26 26 12 26 14 26 14 26 14 26 1 2 FIGS.- 3 6 FIGS.- Based upon the signal strength of communication received at each of the one or more access device sensorsor the elapsed time between sending and receiving the signal or communication the approximate distance from the vehicle access devicerelative to each of the one or more access device sensorsmay be determined. Using known locations of the access device sensorsand the signal strength at each access device sensor, the approximate location of the vehicle access devicecan be determined. In, a single access device sensoris positioned centrally in the vehicle, although the access device sensormay be located anywhere on or within the vehicle, as desired. In, four access device sensorsare positioned at front, side, and rear positions of the vehicle. However, other quantities and positions of access device sensorsmay be implemented as needed.

28 14 22 28 28 28 The user interfacemay be part of a vehicle infotainment system, and may include a display visible by one or more vehicle occupants within the interior of the vehicle, a tactile feedback system capable of tactilely communicating information to a user, or a speaker capable of audibly communicating information to the user. The control systemmay be in communication with the user interfaceto provide various multimedia content and information to vehicle occupants, and to provide the user interfaceby which a user can enter information via the display or related inputs. In at least some implementations, user input via the user interfacemay be provided through a touch-sensitive display, allowing vehicle occupant(s) to navigate through menus, adjust vehicle settings, and control features by tapping or swiping on the touchscreen. Some implementations may utilize physical controls to recognize vehicle occupant input such as button, knobs, or dials positioned within the interior of the vehicle. Other implementations may use voice recognition through integrated voice control systems allowing vehicle occupant(s) to operate vehicle functions using voice commands.

12 22 The vehicle access device(e.g. key fob or external device such as a mobile phone) may have a body in which is housed a controller, a transmitter and one or more inputs via which the user can input commands to be sent to the vehicle communications device and recognized by the vehicle control system. The inputs(s) may be provided on the body in the form of buttons, switches, capacitive touch, a touch screen, voice recognition, motion sensors, or other user interface, as desired.

22 12 22 12 22 12 The vehicle access device controller and transmitter are powered by a battery and capable of sending signals to the vehicle control systemin response to actuation of one or more of the user inputs. Communication from the vehicle access device transmitter can be any form of wireless communication such as, but not limited to short-range or long-range communications, such as cellular, ultra-wideband (UWB), near-field communications, Bluetooth, WiFi, satellite communications, radio, or others. When an input of the vehicle access deviceis actuated by a user, the access device transmitter sends an output to and recognizable by the vehicle control system. For example, actuation of a first input of the vehicle access devicemay send an output to the control systemto unlock one or more vehicle doors, actuation of a second input may cause a vehicle engine to start, actuation of a third input may cause a vehicle trunk or liftgate to open, and the like. In some implementations the vehicle access devicemay have a speaker, a vibrating motor, or a display to provide audio, tactile, or visual feedback to the user.

5 6 FIGS.- 30 14 30 12 30 12 16 12 30 16 14 16 16 30 30 12 12 30 12 12 30 12 16 18 24 In some implementations, as shown in, a second vehicle access devicemay be in communication with the vehicleand/or the vehicle access device(hereafter called the first vehicle access device). The second vehicle accessdevice may be the same or similar in construction to the first vehicle access device. Or, in implementations where the external deviceis not acting as the first vehicle access device, the second vehicle access devicemay be the external deviceand may be capable of communicating with the vehicleto control at least some vehicle functions, so that the external devicecan perform both the functions of the external deviceand the second vehicle access device. The second vehicle access devicemay be capable of detecting communication from the first vehicle access deviceand determining the signal strength of the communication from the first vehicle access device. The distance of the second vehicle access devicefrom the first vehicle access devicemay be approximated based on a pre-established relationship between the signal strength of the communication received from the first vehicle access device. The second vehicle access devicemay communicate with the vehicle access device, an external device, a remote server, or the vehicle communications device.

16 14 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 14 18 The external devicemay be owned or controlled by the vehicle owner or an authorized user of the vehicleand may be a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device permitting communication to and from the user. The external devicehas one or more processors, memory, and instructions or programs stored in the memory or otherwise accessible by the processors. The external devicehas a communication unit with a device transmitter capable of transmitting signals wirelessly, and a device receiver capable of receiving signals wirelessly. Communication to and from the external devicecan be any form of wireless communication such as, but not limited to cellular, ultra-wideband (UWB), WiFi, satellite communications, radio, or others. The external devicemay have GPS capability to determine the real-time location of the external device. Previous locations of the external devicemay be saved in the memory of the external deviceand displayed to a user on a screen or communicated to the vehicleor the remote server.

16 16 16 12 14 16 24 18 14 The external devicemay include a screen capable of displaying information to a user, a tactile feedback system capable of tactilely communicating information to a user, or a speaker capable of audibly communicating information to the user. The one or more processors are in communication with the screen and the external devicemay include an input system capable of obtaining user input and communicating the user input to the one or more processors. In some implementations, the external devicemay perform one or more functions of the vehicle access deviceto control aspects of the vehicle. The external devicemay communicate directly with the communications deviceof the vehicle, or the remote serverto control the vehicle.

22 16 18 18 18 24 16 18 16 14 18 18 16 22 18 In at least some embodiments, the vehicle control systemand/or the external devicemay communicate with the remote server, which may be part of a backend portion of a cloud-based system, and may include one or more processors, memory/data storage and programs to implement the functions required of the remote server. The remote servermay facilitate communication between the vehicle communications deviceand the external device. The remote servermay be capable of receiving and transmitting communications through wireless communication such as, but not limited to, cellular, ultra-wideband (UWB), WiFi, satellite communications, radio, or others. Upon receiving communication from either the external deviceor the vehicle, the remote servermay handle the request which may include querying local or remote memory, performing computations, or executing computer code. After handling the request, the remote serverformats and sends communications to the intended destination, which may include either the external deviceor the vehicle control system. The intended destination may receive the communication and, in some implementations, send an acknowledgement of receipt back to the remote server.

100 12 102 22 14 14 12 28 16 12 28 22 16 22 24 18 22 14 12 14 14 14 12 100 104 12 106 12 7 FIG. A methodfor locating a vehicle access deviceis shown in. In step, a user or the control systemof the vehiclemay prompt the vehicleto search for a lost or misplaced vehicle access device. The user may use the user interfaceor the external deviceto begin the prompt. To begin a search for the vehicle access deviceafter input from the user, the user interfacemay communicate with the control systemor the external devicemay communicate with the control systemby way of the communications deviceor by way of the remote server. Alternatively, the control systemof the vehiclemay prompt a search for the vehicle access devicewhen certain vehicle conditions are met. For example, the vehicle conditions may be when a door is opened and shut while the ignition or power of the vehicleis switched off. Other vehicle conditions such as the position of one or more windows of the vehicle, the position of the vehicle's drivetrain (park, drive, reverse, etc.), or the GPS location of the vehiclemay prompt a search for the vehicle access device. Depending on the implementation, the methodmay progress to either stepif the user requires a previous location of the vehicle access deviceor stepif the user knows the previous location of the vehicle access device.

104 12 12 26 22 12 28 16 22 24 16 22 24 18 16 12 14 14 12 30 16 16 12 14 106 In step, a previous known location of the vehicle access deviceis determined. The times and locations that the vehicle access deviceis detected by the one or more access device sensorsor used to control one or more vehicle functions may be periodically or continuously logged by the memory of the control system. The location may be GPS coordinates of the vehicle's location at the time the vehicle access deviceis detected. A previous time and/or location, possibly the most recent time and the location associated with that time, may be communicated to the user through the user interfaceor the external deviceby way of direct communication, from the control systemto the communications systemto the external device, or indirect communication, from the control systemto the communications deviceto the remote serverto the external device. Upon receiving the previous time and/or location that the vehicle access devicewas near the vehicle, the user may travel with the vehicleto that location to find the vehicle access device(using the second vehicle access devicethat may be the external deviceor a separate device from the external device). Upon reaching the location that the vehicle access devicewas known to previously be near the vehicle, the method proceeds to step.

106 26 14 12 12 14 26 26 12 12 26 12 26 24 24 12 12 14 100 108 26 12 100 112 In step, the one or more access device sensorsof the vehicleattempt to receive communication from the vehicle access deviceto determine whether the vehicle access deviceis near the vehicle(within range of the one or more access device sensors). The one or more access device sensorsmay await communication from the vehicle access device, or may send communication to be received by the vehicle access device. Upon receiving communication from the one or more access device sensors, the vehicle access devicemay confirm receipt by sending communication back to the one or more access device sensorsor to the communications device. If communication between the one or more access device sensorsand the vehicle access deviceis possible, indicating that the vehicle access deviceis near the vehicle, the methodadvances to step. If communication between the one or more access device sensorsand the vehicle access deviceis not possible the methodadvances to step.

108 12 14 14 26 12 14 26 26 12 26 14 22 12 26 12 26 26 14 12 26 26 12 22 12 14 14 1 2 FIGS.- 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 1 2 FIGS.- 1 FIG. 2 FIG. In step, the approximate location of the vehicle access devicerelative to the vehicle(e.g. the access device sensors of the vehicle) is determined. In, the vehiclehas a single access device sensor. As shown by, the vehicle access deviceis within the vehicleand in range of the access device sensorand may communicate with the access device sensor.shows the vehicle access devicewithin range of the access device sensor, but outside of the vehicle. The control systemmay estimate the distance the vehicle access deviceis from the access device sensorbased on the strength of the communication (signal) from the vehicle access deviceto the access device sensorand based on the position of the access device sensorrelative to the vehicle. The distance from the vehicle access deviceto the access device sensorrepresents a radius from the access device sensorthat the vehicle access deviceis located within. Therefore, the control systemmay differentiate between the scenarios shown in, where the vehicle access devicemay be within the vehicle() or outside of the vehicle().

12 26 12 26 12 26 14 12 12 14 12 12 12 12 26 14 12 12 12 0 1 1 0 2 3 3 0 2 1 The distance from the vehicle access deviceto the access device sensormay also be determined based on the elapsed time between sending and receiving communication between the vehicle access deviceand the access device sensor. When the speed the communication travels is known, which in some implementations may be the speed of light (approximately 3*108 m/s), the time between sending and receiving communication may be multiplied by the speed of the communication to determine the distance from the vehicle access deviceto the access device sensor. For example, the vehiclemay send a first signal at a time of T. The vehicle access devicemay receive the first signal at a time of T. By subtracting Tby Tand multiplying by the speed of travel of the signal, the distance, in units of the speed of travel may be obtained. As another example, the vehicle access devicemay send a second signal at T. The vehiclemay receive the second signal from the vehicle access deviceat T. The time elapsed between Tand Tis the time of travel of the first signal and the second signal plus any processing time of the vehicle access devicein receiving the first signal and sending the second signal. The time elapsed between Tand Tis the processing time of the vehicle access devicebetween receiving the first signal and sending the second signal. The distance between the vehicle access deviceand the access device sensorof the vehiclemay be determined by subtracting the time of travel of the signal plus any processing time of the vehicle access devicein receiving the first signal and sending the second signal by the processing time of the vehicle access devicein receiving the first signal and sending the second signal, multiplying by the speed of travel of the signal, and dividing by two to account for the first signal and second signal each traveling the distance to and from the vehicle access device. The distance may be represented by the following formula:

1 FIG. 2 FIG. When the distance calculated from the elapsed time is less than a predetermined threshold, the vehicle access device may be determined to be within the vehicle (as shown by). When the distance calculated from the elapsed time is greater than a predetermined threshold, the vehicle access device may be determined to be outside of the vehicle (as shown by).

12 26 14 12 12 14 14 12 26 14 14 12 4 5 2 4 To further confirm the distance between the vehicle access deviceand the access device sensor, the vehiclemay send a third signal to the vehicle access deviceat time T. The vehicle access devicemay receive the third signal at time T. The time elapsed between Ts and Tis the time of travel of the second signal and the third signal plus any processing time of the vehiclein receiving the second signal and sending the third signal. The time elapsed between Tand Ts is the processing time of the vehiclein receiving the second signal and sending the third signal. The distance between the vehicle access deviceand the access device sensorof the vehiclemay be determined by subtracting the time of travel of the signal plus any processing time of the vehicle in receiving the second signal and sending the third signal by the processing time of the vehiclein receiving the second signal and sending the third signal, multiplying by the speed of travel of the signal, and dividing by two to account for the second signal and third signal each traveling the distance to and from the vehicle access device. The distance may be represented by the following formula:

3 4 FIGS.- 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 14 26 14 12 26 12 12 26 12 26 26 26 26 12 12 26 22 12 14 14 In the example shown in, the vehiclehas four access device sensorspositioned at known locations of the vehicle. The strength of a signal or the time between sending and receiving the signal or communication the approximate distance from the vehicle access devicereceived at each sensorafter a communication from the access deviceis a function of the distance of the vehicle access devicefrom each sensor. Generally, the greater the signal strength, or the greater the time elapsed between sending and receiving the communication/signal, the closer the vehicle access deviceis to the access device sensor. Therefore, in implementations having multiple access device sensors, by comparing the signal strengths at each access device sensor, or elapsed time between sending and receiving the commination/signal at the access device sensorsand the vehicle access device, the approximate distance from each access device sensor can be determined using, for example, a predetermined relationship between signal strength and distance, or by multiplying the elapsed time between sending and receiving the communication/signal by the speed of travel of the communication/signal as previously described. Based on the estimated distance the vehicle access deviceis from each access device sensor, the control systemmay differentiate between when the vehicle access deviceis within the vehicle() and outside of the vehicle().

12 14 12 14 14 12 14 14 26 26 26 26 12 12 14 22 26 14 1 2 FIGS.- 3 FIG. The approximate location of the vehicle access devicemay be further narrowed to be in a specific portion of the vehicleif the vehicle access deviceis determined to be within the vehicleor a specific direction from the vehicleif the vehicle access deviceis determined to be outside of the vehicle. For example, in, the approximate distance between the vehicle access deviceto the single access device sensoris known. Therefore, the vehicle access deviceis located somewhere at the known distance within an area circumferentially surrounding the access device sensor. Another example, as shown in, if all access device sensorsdetect the vehicle access devicewithin a predetermined distance, indicating the vehicle access deviceis within the vehicle, and the strongest signal is received by the rear and right access device sensors the control systemdetermines that the vehicle access deviceis in a rear-right position within the vehicle.

4 FIG. 26 14 14 26 26 14 26 14 26 14 12 14 22 12 12 26 In yet another example, as shown in, if the received signal strength is greater at the access device sensorpositioned at the rear of the vehicleand the access device sensor positioned at the right of the vehicleand the differential between the signal strength of the strongest signal received by one of the access device sensorsand the weakest signal received by one of the access device sensorsis beyond a predetermined threshold, the vehicle access device is determined to be outside of the vehicleand generally in a rear-right direction. In this example, any differential between the access device sensorpositioned at the rear of the vehicleand the access device sensorpositioned at the right of the vehiclecan determine whether the vehicle access deviceis closer to the vehiclein either the rear or right directions. Logic, like that applied in the previous examples, may be implemented by the control systemto determine any location of the vehicle access devicewhen the vehicle access deviceis within a range of the one or more access device sensors.

4 FIG. 4 FIG. 26 12 12 14 12 26 26 26 12 14 Furthermore, as shown in, the elapsed time of sending and receiving communication between the access device sensorsand the vehicle access devicemay be used to determine the specific location of the vehicle access devicerelative to the vehicle. For example, after the distance of the vehicle access devicefrom each access device sensoris determined, the distances can be compared to determine the location of the vehicle access device. In, the rear and right access device sensorswould have shorter elapsed time of communication compared to the front and left access device sensors. This indicates that the vehicle access deviceis closer to the rear and right access device sensors, and therefore, positioned rear and right from the vehicle.

12 14 12 14 22 28 16 12 12 12 14 In some implementations, when the vehicle access deviceis within the vehicleand one or more conditions, such as those described earlier, indicate that the vehicle access devicemay be unintentionally left behind in the vehicle, the control systemmay alert the user via the user interface, the external device, or the vehicle access deviceif the vehicle access deviceis equipped to do so. This may proactively seek to prevent a user from unintentionally leaving a vehicle access devicein the vehicle.

110 12 22 12 28 22 22 16 16 18 12 12 12 14 12 12 16 28 12 14 100 In step, after the approximate location of the vehicle access devicehas been determined, the approximate location is communicated to a user. The control systemmay display information about the location of the vehicle access deviceon the user interface, via a display or other vehicle system, to the user. Alternatively, the control systemmay send the location through the communications devicedirectly to the external devicevia wireless communication, or indirectly to the external devicevia the remote serverto inform the user of the location of the vehicle access device. Upon successfully locating the vehicle access device, which may be determined by bringing the vehicle access devicewithin a certain distance of the vehicle, activating a button or function of the vehicle access device, or by receiving confirmation from the user that the vehicle access devicehas been successfully located (through the external device, user interface, or by other means), or by other interaction(s) between the vehicle access deviceand the vehicle, the methodends.

106 26 12 100 106 112 112 30 26 30 12 12 30 30 12 12 12 30 30 12 114 12 26 12 30 12 30 30 30 14 12 If in step, the one or more access device sensorsare unable to receive a signal from the vehicle access device, then the methodcontinues from stepto step. In step, the second vehicle access devicemay be carried by the user beyond the range of the one or more access device sensorsand the second vehicle access devicemay be used to send a transmission capable of being received by the first vehicle access deviceto locate the first vehicle access device. In at least some implementations, this is done by actuating one or more inputs of the second vehicle access devicewhich causes a signal to be emitted from the second vehicle access device. If the first vehicle access deviceis within range and receives the signal, the first vehicle access device(e.g. the controller thereof) is arranged to cause the first vehicle access deviceto emit/transmit a responsive signal capable of being received by the second vehicle access device. If the second vehicle access devicereceives communication from the first vehicle access device, in step, the time and signal strength of the communication or the elapsed time between sending and receiving the signal as previously described herein or communication may be stored in the second vehicle access device's memory. That is, the formula and methods set out for determining the location of the vehicle access deviceusing access device sensorsmay be used to determine the distance between the vehicle access deviceand the second vehicle access deviceby communication sent and received between the vehicle access deviceand the second vehicle access device. Additional information such as, the time, GPS location of the second vehicle access device(if available), and signal strength of the communication received by the second vehicle access devicemay be sent to the vehicleto help in determining the location of the first vehicle access device.

30 12 12 14 30 14 16 18 Thus, in at least some implementations, a user will not immediately know if or when the second access devicehas received a signal from the first access device. The user can walk or otherwise move around an area of interest (e.g. a search area) while seeking to elicit a response or otherwise receive a signal from the first vehicle access device, and then the user can return to the vehicleto upload information from the second vehicle access deviceto the vehicleor to an external deviceor to the remote server, for example and as noted below.

14 30 26 30 14 26 24 22 12 30 12 18 18 16 22 18 22 18 16 30 12 30 12 12 30 5 FIG. 6 FIG. To upload information to the vehicle, for example, as shown in, when the second vehicle access devicereturns to within range of the one or more access device sensors, information stored by the second vehicle access devicemay be communicated to the vehicle(e.g. via the access device sensorsand/or the communications device), so that the control systemcan determine the location of the first vehicle access device. In another example, as shown in, the second vehicle access devicemay communicate information from a search for the first access devicedirectly to the remote servervia wireless communication or indirectly to the remote serverthrough communication to the external deviceor to the vehicle control systemwhich in turn communicates with the remote server. The control systemand/or programs at the remote serveror at the external devicemay then overlay GPS location data with the time, signal strength received by the second vehicle access device, and/or the elapsed time between sending and receiving the signal or communication between the first vehicle access deviceand the second vehicle access deviceto determine the approximate location of the first vehicle access device. In other words, a signal received from the first access devicemay be considered with respect to the location of the second access devicewhen the signal was received. By way of non-limiting examples, the location can be determined by GPS or other specific location data, or the time when the signal was received can be used by the user to determine a location at which they were at that time during the search.

116 12 28 14 16 16 30 12 12 30 30 30 16 In step, the approximate location/area that the first vehicle access deviceis determined to be in is communicated to the user. For example, the location may be displayed on the user interfaceof the vehicleor by the external devicevia the display or speakers of the external device. Furthermore, the second vehicle access devicemay communicate to a user in real time that the first vehicle access devicehas been detected and/or an approximate location of the first vehicle access devicebased upon the strength of signal received by the second vehicle access device. The second vehicle access devicemay use sound feedback through a speaker, tactile feedback through a vibrating motor, visual feedback through a display, or the second vehicle access devicemay communicate to the external device(e.g. a smartphone) to communicate to the user.

12 12 26 26 12 12 16 28 12 14 22 12 100 Successfully locating the first vehicle access devicecan be determined in many ways. For example, the located first vehicle access devicecan be brought into range of the vehicle access device sensor(s)and thereby detected by the sensors(e.g. upon activating an input or function of the first vehicle access device), the user may provide confirmation that the first vehicle access devicehas been successfully located (e.g. via the external device, vehicle user interface, or by other means), or by other interaction(s) between the first vehicle access deviceor the user and the vehicle. When the control systemdetermines that the first access devicehas been located, the methodends.

112 30 12 100 118 118 12 30 16 18 24 112 116 12 100 If in step, the second vehicle access devicefails to detect a communication or signal from the first vehicle access device, the methodproceeds to step. In step, the determination that the first access devicewas not found in the search is communicated to the user. This may involve communication between the second vehicle access device, the external device, the remote server, and/or the vehicle communication deviceas previously described in steps-. After communicating to the user that the vehicle access devicewas not located, the methodends, or the user may move to a different location and conduct another search.

10 100 12 12 30 12 12 30 12 30 12 30 14 12 Thus, the systemsand methodsdisclosed herein help people find lost key fobs or other vehicle access devices. In one example, a key fobis lost and a second key fobis used to try and locate the lost key fob. Both key fobs,may emit unique codes or other information within signal emissions to permit the key fobs,to be distinguished from each other. Both key fobs,are registered for use with the vehicleand both are capable of communicating with each other in some form and to some extent (e.g. sending signals to and receiving signals from each other). This mutual communication can be used to help locate the lost key fobas noted herein.

30 12 30 30 30 12 12 12 12 30 30 30 12 30 16 30 30 12 30 12 To use the second key fobto find the lost key fob, the second key fobis carried by a user as the user moves through a search area while periodically actuating an input of the second key fob. Such actuation causes the second key fobto emit a signal that can be received/detected by the lost key fobif the lost key fobis within range of the signal transmission. If the lost key fobreceives such a signal, the lost key fobsends a reply signal that is detectable by the second key fob. Within a given search area, several signals may be received by the second key foband the relative strength of those signals, the elapsed time between sending and receiving the signal or communication, and the location of the second key fobwhen those signals were received, can be used to determine an area or approximate location of the lost key fob. In at least some implementations, the location of the second key fobis determined relative to the location of another devicecarried by the user during the search, such as a smartphone or other portable electronic device with a location sensor (e.g. GPS). Of course, even with a single communication received by the second key fob, an approximate location may be determined (e.g. as a function of the location of the second key foband a radius equal to the approximate distance of the lost key fobfrom that location which is determined as a function of the strength of the signal received or the elapsed time between sending and receiving the signal or communication). As noted herein, information relating to the signals received at the second key fobcan then be uploaded to a controller/device and that information can be used to determine the approximate location of the lost key fob.

12 30 16 30 16 12 12 12 12 10 100 12 14 26 26 12 12 30 12 While this example specifically refers to key fobs, other vehicle access devices,may be used. In the example where an external device(e.g. a portable electronic device), such as a tablet computer or smartphone is used as the second access device, the external devicemay directly inform a user when a signal is received from the lost vehicle access devicewithout requiring information about the signal from the lost vehicle access devicebeing uploaded to a different controller or device. This may simplify finding the lost vehicle access deviceas a user may be guided toward the lost vehicle access devicebased on increasing or decreasing signal strengths received or the elapsed time between sending and receiving the signal or communication as the user moves during the search. The systemsand methodshelp find a lost vehicle access devicethat may be lost within or outside the vehicle, and that may be outside of a working range of the access device sensors. When outside of the working range, the access device sensorsare unable to receive a signal from the lost vehicle access deviceand are thus unable to determine the location of the lost vehicle access device, so use of the second vehicle access deviceincreases the area that can be searched and facilitates locating a lost vehicle access device.